Uhuru, should lead Azimio, Kenya Kwanza reconciliation efforts

Machakos Deputy Governor, Francis Mwangangi during International Co-operatives day at Kenyatta stadium on July 1, 2023. [John Muia, Standard]

Machakos Deputy Governor, Francis Mwangangi has challenged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to join in the efforts of reconciling the Kenya Kwanza government and the opposition in the wake of the escalating anti-government protests in the country.

Mwangangi said the former Head of State has an opportunity to shape up his post-presidency legacy by spearheading consensus talks between the two camps, whose political hostilities are threatening to tear the country apart.

Addressing the press in Machakos town, Mwangangi, who is a former legislator said the ongoing political skirmishes pitting President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Government against Azimio alliance under the command of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga could be settled if the key political leaders chose to put the country first.

"It is very possible to get back our country if the key political leaders in the country including former President Uhuru, the serving head of State Dr Ruto and opposition leader, Raila Odinga decided to put the country before their personal interests. These three have the opportunity to write history as great statesmen by committing to midwife peace and stability in our country," said the DG.

Mwangangi said Uhuru has been involved in leading peace negotiations in some of the region's troubled nations and there was no reason he cannot serve his own country as a lead pacemaker.

He said the escalation of political exchanges between the two major political factions in the country, and the failure by either leader to tone down on their hard political stance was the biggest impediment to the realization of peace in the country.

"We need the leaders to be bold enough and accept that the country cannot progress in the current state. We are losing billions of shillings each day the country shuts down due to demonstrations," said the DG.

He at the same time urged the clergy to seek intervention in the matter as a way of bringing down the tempers of the political politicians whose vision for the peace of the country seemed to be fading away.

Mwangangi's call comes barely a day after Lands Chief Administrative Secretary, Victor Munyaka urged Ukambani residents to shun the ongoing anti-government protests and support Ruto's development agenda.

Dr Munyaka, who addressed members of the public after visiting a local restaurant, said violent demonstrations will not bring down the high cost of living currently being experienced in the country.

"The Kenya Kwanza Government is hardly a year old and requires the support of all Kenyans because the economy cannot be turned around within a few months. It is true the times are hard but clearly the solution cannot be derived through destruction of property," said Munyaka, who is the former immediate Machakos Town MP.

Munyaka claimed last week's violent demonstrations in Machakos town were led by criminal gangs ferried into the town by individuals in the opposition.